Fort Espérance

Fort Espérance sits along the Qu'Appelle River with the remains of two fur trading posts from the late 1700s and early 1800s. Visitors can see exposed cellar foundations, fireplace structures, and other archaeological features from the original buildings.

Established in 1787 by the North West Company, the fort operated as a pemmican storage and processing center. Operations ended in 1824 when the Hudson's Bay Company took control of the region.

This location served as a meeting place where Indigenous peoples and trading company workers prepared and exchanged pemmican and buffalo hides together. Visitors can still observe the remains of this collaborative economic activity along the river.

The site is free to visit and open to self-guided exploration of the ruins. Bring appropriate clothing for weather conditions and allow time to walk the grounds and view the different sections of the archaeological site.

Excavations here uncovered tools and equipment used for blacksmithing operations at the post. The extensive remains of animal bones reveal how much pemmican was produced to supply distant trading networks.

Location: Rocanville No. 151

Inception: 1787

GPS coordinates: 50.49220,-101.57700

Latest update: December 14, 2025 13:05